Two firefighters have been killed and two more were injured after a burning building collapsed in Kansas City, officials have said.
Fire Department Battalion Chief James Garrett said crews evacuated people from inside the badly damaged building on Monday night.
Firefighters were clearing an area with a partially collapsed roof when the structure collapsed again, blowing a wall outward about 30ft and trapping them.
The two firefighters killed were identified as 17-year veteran Larry Leggio and 13-year veteran John Mesh.
The condition of the injured has not been released.
Paul Berardi, Kansas City Fire Chief, told a news conference that the firefighters who died had rescued two people from inside the burning building.
He said: “This is the worst day… what’s good for their families to know is that they didn’t die in vain.
“They saved two civilians, carried them out of the second floor on ladders before the wall collapsed.”
Kansas City Mayor Sly James said in a statement: “Tonight’s tragic loss is a reminder that Kansas City firefighters put their lives on the line for all of us every day.
“Our condolences go out to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice today, and we pray for recovery of the injured.”
It was unclear what started the fire.
